Governors warned as Parliament approves Sh415bn funds to counties

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Governors have been put on notice as Parliament on Thursday approved the mediated version of the Division of Revenue Bill, unlocking Sh415 billion as equitable share to counties, but not without stern warnings from lawmakers over misuse of public funds.

Despite the approval, the mood in the House was far from celebratory, as MPs used the opportunity to express frustration over what they described as increasing corruption, wasteful spending, and the failure of devolution to improve lives at the grassroots.

In his closing remarks, Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi, who moved the report, called on governors to take seriously the concerns raised by members of the National Assembly.

“These concerns are genuine. As you prepare to receive the money, consider the voices expressed here today,” he said.

While supporting the motion, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah told Kenyans not to focus solely on the Sh415 billion figure, pointing out that counties were receiving additional funding beyond the equitable share.

“Mr Speaker, Kenyans should not just look at the 9pc we are approving. There’s Sh55 billion for roads, Sh10 billion for the Equalisation Fund. In total, counties are getting a whopping Sh480 billion,” he said.

However, he warned that this rising financial allocation had not translated into better services.

“The more money we send to counties, the poorer they become. It’s because of corruption and wastage--especially on salaries. The cardinal rule must be accountability.”

Dadaab MP Farah Maalim was even more blunt, alleging that governors were treating public funds as political tools.

“Mr Speaker, there is a county where the governor called MCAs and handed out money to stop an impeachment.

Parliament must stop passing appropriations blindly,” he said, without naming the county.

He called on MPs to change the law to protect Kenyans from what he described as thugs gobbling the little resources meant for development.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula noted that many of the sentiments expressed were the same ones MPs raised while rejecting Senate amendments earlier.

“If you go back to the Hansard, you will realise this is what you raised when rejecting. Where is the voice of mediation?” he asked, prompting another round of strong contributions.

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari and Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi joined in the criticism, warning that development funds were being diverted to personal luxuries.

“The money we have sent to be used for development is diverted to foreign trips fare. How I wish they can concentrate on health 100 percent,” said Ms Elachi.

Ndia MP George Kariuki, who was part of the mediation team, said he supported the final report in the interest of wananchi, while Rarieda MP Dr Otiende Amollo commended the spirit of compromise.

“Mr Speaker, those of us who are lawyers know that even in our practice, we are embracing mediation instead of confrontation,” he said.

Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo expressed skepticism about the progress made since devolution began, saying that while counties had received trillions, the people remained poor.

“Fifteen years since devolution, all we have are a few billionaires created while the majority of our people are wallowing in poverty,” he said.

South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro questioned the reverence afforded to county bosses, saying, “Why are they still called ‘Your Excellency’ when their conduct doesn’t reflect that excellence?”

Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed, a member of the mediation team, said she supported the report following guidance from her party leader Raila Odinga.

Mr. Odinga has consistently defended increased funding to counties, arguing that it is key to reducing inequality and stimulating grassroots development.

However, he has also warned against theft of devolved funds and called for tighter oversight, once referring to the looters as “mini cartels in the villages.”

With the Bill now approved and the funds set for disbursement, attention shifts from Parliament to the counties. The big question remains: will the billions now headed to county coffers finally change lives—or once again be swallowed by greed, waste, and broken promises?

Below is a simple breakdown of the key allocations: